Michelle L. Cook

What a great and busy week it's been. On Tuesday, Governor Lamont signed several bills on seniors and aging in Bloomfield. I was honored to be in attendance. The same day, the governor signed HB 5002, the caucus's priority child care bill. We also raised the Pride flag at Torrington City Hall this week. Over the weekend, my husband and I attended the Torrington Strawberry Festival, the Lion's Club Car Show, and the Five Points Arts Center grand opening of the interior courtyard. Plenty of events are coming up, now that summer is here (almost officially).

I hope everyone had a safe and reflective Memorial Day. As Memorial Day marks the "unofficial start of summer," there are plenty of outdoor activities on the agenda in the coming weeks and months. This weekend alone, there's the Torrington Strawberry Festival and CT Trails Day. And the weather looks great to enjoy either one (or both). Plus, I'll share with you several more events taking place throughout June, including the Pride flag-raising ceremony on Monday, the opening of the 2024 Torrington Farmers Market on June 15, Juneteenth, the Torrington PAL car show, the citywide tag sale, and the TPS Summer Music Academy. 

This weekend is a time of reflection and gratitude. Growing up in a military family, I appreciate the awesome responsibility and understanding the brave men and women of our military take on when they take their oath. Saying "thank you" just doesn't seem like enough. My deepest appreciation to those who gave their lives for the United States and to their families who love and miss them. 

We're a little over a week removed from the end of the 2024 legislative session. While the session itself is over, the work of a legislator never is.

The 2024 legislative session is officially over. The final week can be very stressful, and a lot happens in a very short period of time, but it's a privilege to be included in an amazing process.

With the two-year $26 billion budget passed by the legislature last year remaining strong and in balance, we were able to make much-needed new investments in important areas such as higher education, early childcare, mental health services, and our non-profit community.

We're in the final stretch of the 2024 legislative session. We've been in session every day this week and we've passed quite a bit of legislation (you can find examples of it below). Every day has been busy up here, including time spent on the dais, but I did get to greet the Hartford Yard Goats mascot Chompers, who was here celebrating Hartford Day. 

Sine Die is less than two weeks away, and we are busily passing bills in the House, then sending them to the Senate for consideration. I was happy to join Friendly Hands Food Bank in hosting the 2nd Annual Food Insecurity Day at the State Capitol on Thursday. Thank you to my fellow legislators and their food bank representatives for attending and helping spread awareness that food insecurity knows no bounds. It can impact anyone.